Will Keldric Faulk be 'better as a pro' with the Tennessee Titans?
NFL expert Todd McShay compared Faulk to a pair of NFL veterans during an episode of his latest podcast.
Former Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk had an uncharacteristic season in 2025 for the Tigers after receiving plenty of NFL draft hype by making just 29 tackles and two sacks . Still, he became the first Auburn Tiger selected in the first round of the NFL draft since 2020 by being selected No. 31 overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
How did Faulk's 2025 stat line affect his rookie campaign with the Titans ? Todd McShay of The Ringer believes that Faulk will thrive as an NFL EDGE rusher and has given him the "Better as a Pro" award on his latest podcast. McShay, known for his college football and NFL coverage on ESPN until 2023, recently awarded members of the 2026 NFL draft class with superlatives on his podcast, "The McShay Show.
" Faulk was one of the first players recognized by earning the "Better as a Pro" nod, with McShay comparing him to a former first-round pick, as well as an 11-year NFL veteran. “I just have this clear vision (for Faulk), and I think that was the thing when talking to some people in the league, they felt like they lacked a clear vision," McShay said of Faulk . "Well, my clear vision for what he could be when I did his report was I saw some shades of Rashaan Gary, but a lot more shades of Arik Armstead.
” Faulk now joins a Titans defense that features linebacker Cedric Gray, defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons, and fellow former Auburn Tiger Dorian Mausi. Faulk will aim to develop this season and try to prove McShay's early predictions to be true. Contact/Follow us @ TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions.